"starvation" mode

bk2011

OK...WARNING...THIS IS A RANT!


I'm so sick of hearing about starvation mode and how it could be sabatoging weight loss. I understand the principle, but enough already. To lose weight you have to take in less calories than you burn. Simple as that.

In my early 20's, I was working out at least 2-3 hours every single day (most of that was cardio with about 30 min strength or circuit training 3-4 times weekly). So while working out that much, I was eating MAYBE 1000 calories a day. MAYBE. Was that very healthy? Probably not. But you know what? I lost a ton of weight AND had a very firm toned body AND dropped my body fat significantly. So enough about starvation mode and how it's ruining weight loss. I hate that message for the 5 week prediction that if the daily calories is even slightly less than the targeted amount it mentions starvation mode. It's frustrating because I'm trying to do it right this time and I don't want to hear about starvation mode anymore.

I know a lot of people will disagree, but this post is not to start a debate or get people angry. I'm just frustrated.

End of rant.

Melis25Fit

I agree. Thanks for posting your thoughts, Brave lady!

suzikelley

I totally agree, too!!!

Sporty98

I agree!!!! I have been getting the "starvation mode" lection from everyone since I started using MFP! Calories in....Calories out.....!

MsElphaba

Then maybe MFP isn't for you.

catcrazy

I totally agree!

People over quote it on here too but they've heard it once, seen it on the 5 week prediction so it must be true...right?! GRRRR

binary_jester

Then maybe MFP isn't for you.

What an odd response.

sarahliftsUP

OK...WARNING...THIS IS A RANT!


I'm so sick of hearing about starvation mode and how it could be sabatoging weight loss. I understand the principle, but enough already. To lose weight you have to take in less calories than you burn. Simple as that.

In my early 20's, I was working out at least 2-3 hours every single day (most of that was cardio with about 30 min strength or circuit training 3-4 times weekly). So while working out that much, I was eating MAYBE 1000 calories a day. MAYBE. Was that very healthy? Probably not. But you know what? I lost a ton of weight AND had a very firm toned body AND dropped my body fat significantly. So enough about starvation mode and how it's ruining weight loss. I hate that message for the 5 week prediction that if the daily calories is even slightly less than the targeted amount it mentions starvation mode. It's frustrating because I'm trying to do it right this time and I don't want to hear about starvation mode anymore.

I know a lot of people will disagree, but this post is not to start a debate or get people angry. I'm just frustrated.

End of rant.

I understand that starvation mode takes awhile to actually kick in. But, slowing down your metabolism or whatever hinder to weight loss it may or may not cause aside.. I think there's a bigger picture to not eating enough. Your not getting enough energy to run all normal body functions, organs will be compromised and neglected if your not getting enough calories to operate normally. So yes, maybe eating less than 1200 calories won't hinder weight loss and you'll look hot but your insides are going to be a hot mess.

McBody

I hear ya there! My calorie allowance for the day is 1200 calories and I don't normally hit that mark... but I'm healthy and not starving! I get lectured by my friends to eat more- but I'm not usually hungry for more. The "starvation mode" is different for every person because every body metabolizes differently!

Liz75

You will open up a discussion no doubt..! ;-)
Your previous workouts and calories intake would surely reap rewards without question, and it would take some serious committment and will power to exercise for that amount of time with fewer calories than your body needs. When I did some serious running miles a few years back I lost a lot of weight and body fat but I was not dieting at the same time, I was probably eating more than usual. And I'd get annoyed when my mum told me not to lose any more weight.."I'm not on a diet" I'd reply!!
I like my food, I like to savour and enjoy meal times. I like to know the good stuff is doing my body good.People are different and have different thresholds. If someone is exercising excessively and barely eating then their body will 'let them know' in time -fainting, dizziness, poor memory, weakened immune system, and its at that point one would ask themselves whether a firmer body is worth it in the end.
The word 'starvation mode' is thrown about a lot I agree -'missing out on vital nutrients which would sustain a healthy life' is perhaps a better description....There are people in the world who are starving from lack of food (not by choice), and its sad that people who have the means to fuel themselves choose not to..

catcrazy

Then maybe MFP isn't for you.

or may be it is ... The M in MFP stands for MY

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and guides are just that, guides only. Its not a bible to live by because if it was I wouldn't have lost any weight.

sunnysashka

How long are you going to be able to stick with such low calorie intake? Guess what! after you start eating even slightly more, the weight will start piling back up! Because your metabolism is way down!
Good luck!

catcrazy

How long are you going to be able to stick with such low calorie intake? Guess what! after you start eating even slightly more, the weight will start piling back up! Because your metabolism is way down!
Good luck!

If you build up your intake correctly you can boost your metabolic rate quite easily. TFR diets work if followed properly which includes a refeed...this is to get your metabolic rate back up. I don't like TFR's because most people just do use them as a quick fix and how boring are soups and shakes all the while but many many people have been successful with them...and TFR's are typically 500-600 calories so way into "starvation mode". Its all about how you up your calorie intake. Do it sensibly and you will be fine

EDesq

I TOTALLY Agree, people are always pushing their positions like a Shyster Lawyer! AND what they say has as much credibility!
Thanks for speaking out and NOT following the "common" thought. The key to weight loss IS burning more calories than you eat AND having a Plan that you can stick to Constantly (Day In-Day Out), because if you can't stick to a Plan, No way will anyone lose weight and KEEP It OFF!

bk2011

How long are you going to be able to stick with such low calorie intake? Guess what! after you start eating even slightly more, the weight will start piling back up! Because your metabolism is way down!
Good luck!

I am NOT currently doing this. Right now I'm eating 1300-1500 calories and doing insanity. But, I did keep all that weight off and maintained at 125-130 lbs for about 7 years even when I started exercising less (full time job took over) and eating more (got married). This time around I'm trying to get the weight I gained during pregnancy off...and I'm attempting to do it on 1300-1500 calories.

Sporty98

Then maybe MFP isn't for you.

Wow....I thought that "My Fitness Pal" was a place for each person to lose weight, get fit, etc. in their own individual way! I think that there's room for everyone here.....And there should be tolerance for opposing opinions as well.

littlehobbit123

I at one point lived on probably less than 500 cals a day at one point, whilst working (hard) outdoors from 7am not getting home til 8pm, then had spouts of eating TONS (probably way way over 2000 cals!) and my weight never really changed. Now I have stopped that level of exercise but am still eating under 1000 cals normally my weight has rocketed. To be honest I don't beleive (in my case anyway) it has that much to do with the food but the lifestyle/exercise undertaken!

LotusF1ower

Then maybe MFP isn't for you.

Eh? Why would you think that?

LotusF1ower

How long are you going to be able to stick with such low calorie intake? Guess what! after you start eating even slightly more, the weight will start piling back up! Because your metabolism is way down!
Good luck!

Not true actually, her metabolism will not be way down because she will have kept it going with her exercise.

That does not always stand either, that after eating even just slightly more, the weight will start piling back up. It didn't with me years ago after I went on a 1000 calories per day diet, the weight went back on after I got pregnant with my second daughter. Then when I had had her, I just basically, ate like a pig - I am talking thousands of calories per day, hence the weight gain.

This time around I am on 1200 calories though, but back in the day, 1000 calories was endorsed by quite a few organisations.

ginnyroxx

all i know is this is damn confusing for someone just starting out (ME!)

do i eat my calories? do i not?
i'm NOT worried about 'starving' my body. i like food too much to do that.

but often, after workouts i'm lefts w/ upwards of 500+ calories and it's 8pm at night.

i want the fitness gods to appear to me in a dream and tell me the real deal.

CroakerNorge

It's all about calories in/calories out.
You need to fuel your body.
For me, the best way to do that is with whole grains, fruits/veg, dairy, good fats, protein.
If you're not hungry, don't eat. If you are hungry, then eat
But, going to extremes is neither sustainble in the long term, nor healthy.

ginnyroxx

okay someone please help me here.
if my BMR calculates to 1530

and i'm on the 2 lb a week plan
it gives me 1200 calories a day.

if i eat all my exercise calories - that leaves me with about a 300 calorie deficit every day.
for the week that's only 2100 calories....not even a pound

so how in the HELLO am i supposed to be losing 2 pounds a week eating all my workout calories.

please please please

some explain that to me like i'm 5 yrs old.

CroakerNorge

Just because you're aiming for 2 lbs/week doesn't mean you'll actually LOSE 2 lbs./week.
Not all weeks are created equal, and the sooner you accept that, the better off you'll be.
Instead of having an absolute number in your brain that you're going to lose each week,
you should have a more realistic RANGE in mind.

Stewie316

How long are you going to be able to stick with such low calorie intake? Guess what! after you start eating even slightly more, the weight will start piling back up! Because your metabolism is way down!
Good luck!

Your metabolism doesn't decrease that much and it's only when you drastically decrease your calories that it may lower by 10%. With any diet, you're going to have to slowly increase your calorie intake once you get to maintenance in order to prevent weight gain.

ginnyroxx

Just because you're aiming for 2 lbs/week doesn't mean you'll actually LOSE 2 lbs./week.
Not all weeks are created equal, and the sooner you accept that, the better off you'll be.
Instead of having an absolute number in your brain that you're going to lose each week,
you should have a more realistic RANGE in mind.

at this point i'd take any RANGE

this didn't answer my question though.
the math is right there.

CroakerNorge

I'm not a mathemetician, thankfully
Then again, there isn't a pound/calorie absolute, so I don't worry about it at all.

Me, when I was in loss mode, on the weeks I lost, it was anywhere from .5-2 lbs. a week
(but rarely ever 2 lbs.). I ate those activity calories when I was hungry or just wanted to splurge.
I never had a problem losing weight.

~shrugs~

glassyo

okay someone please help me here.
if my BMR calculates to 1530

and i'm on the 2 lb a week plan
it gives me 1200 calories a day.

if i eat all my exercise calories - that leaves me with about a 300 calorie deficit every day.
for the week that's only 2100 calories....not even a pound

so how in the HELLO am i supposed to be losing 2 pounds a week eating all my workout calories.

please please please

some explain that to me like i'm 5 yrs old.

Ok, I'll take a shot.

When you set up your goals to lose 2 lbs a week, mfp already created that 1000 calorie deficit (or however many to get to 1200 since I *think* mfp doesn't let you go below that). So, in theory, you can still eat your exercise calories back and still have that 1000 calorie deficit.

ginnyroxx

okay someone please help me here.
if my BMR calculates to 1530

and i'm on the 2 lb a week plan
it gives me 1200 calories a day.

if i eat all my exercise calories - that leaves me with about a 300 calorie deficit every day.
for the week that's only 2100 calories....not even a pound

so how in the HELLO am i supposed to be losing 2 pounds a week eating all my workout calories.

please please please

some explain that to me like i'm 5 yrs old.

Ok, I'll take a shot.

When you set up your goals to lose 2 lbs a week, mfp already created that 1000 calorie deficit (or however many to get to 1200 since I *think* mfp doesn't let you go below that). So, in theory, you can still eat your exercise calories back and still have that 1000 calorie deficit.

right. i get it won't allow me to get under 1200 calories
the deficit created, therefor, is only 330

i'm 187 pounds at 5.5"
i have the weight to lose

ginnyroxx

I'm not a mathemetician, thankfully
Then again, there isn't a pound/calorie absolute, so I don't worry about it at all.

Me, when I was in loss mode, on the weeks I lost, it was anywhere from .5-2 lbs. a week
(but rarely ever 2 lbs.). I ate those activity calories when I was hungry or just wanted to splurge.
I never had a problem losing weight.

~shrugs~

this is realistic for me.
if i can view my exercise calories as extra credit - my mind can wrap itself around that.
but to be told i have to eat back most of them to lose weight....just doesn't add up for me.

glassyo

right. i get it won't allow me to get under 1200 calories
the deficit created, therefor, is only 330

i'm 187 pounds at 5.5"
i have the weight to lose

But, unless you're in a coma, you're not just working with your bmr calories. There's going to be an activity multiplier in there too so that'll give you extra calories. So if mfp is putting you at 1200 with your deficit at 1000 calories a week, your bmr plus activity is around 2200? So it's not really a 330 calorie deficit.

Have I ever mentioned that math makes my head expode?

SHBoss1673

BMR is not maintenance, BMR is between 60 and 75% of your maintenance calories. So 1200 calories is not 300 below your maintenance, it's more like 800 to 900 below.